Im so excited about this. Just ordered the step-up/step-down rings, the spanners and the filter from eBay, and waiting for a respons from Laser2000 about shipment. It will be great to get it tested on the Distagon 35!
If I remember correctly, the SLB 50-5000PM also works on the C Sonnar, is that right?
DavidBM wrote:
Has anyone figured out if a ZM 28 or Contax G 28 with a front end lens is the way to go? Other things being equal I'd prefer the ZM for handling...
I have studied the images for a while and here are my thoughts:
The Contax G 28 and ZM 28 are both great lenses. However, even with the PCX 1.5m or 1m Proxar, there is a visible mid-zone dip with the ZM. I don't see that with the Contax G. (BTW: The PCX 1.5m is a perfect solution for both lenses)
The ZM has noticeably higher macro/micro contrast and better colors (Not to count better sunstar rendering). The Contax G has better resolution mid and towards the corners with the front-lens but it lacks contrast in comparison.
The Contax G is very light. With the Kipon adapter and front-lens is weights only 250g. The ZM is a little heavier.
For me personally, I will continue using my Zeiss ZF 28/2. it's much heavier at 590g with adapter but it has much better micro-contrast, colors and resolution when compared side by side to either ZM or G. The difference is not night and day but it's not small either. The ZF 28 complements my Loxia 21 and 50 in terms of resolution, contrast and colors. (Until Zeiss releases a Loxia 28 )
So, the front-lens brings both 28 ZM and G lenses from the dead for the A7 series but they still don't compare to the ZF 28/2. The 28 G is a steal at current prices and it's the lightest of the bunch. The 1.5 PCX filter in reverse orientation does miracles for it. See here: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1453834/33#13892893
Fred Miranda wrote:
I have studied the images for a while and here are my thoughts:
The Contax G 28 and ZM 28 are both great lenses. However, even with the PCX 1.5m or 1m Proxar, there is a visible mid-zone dip with the ZM. I don't see that with the Contax G. (BTW: The PCX 1.5m is a perfect solution for both lenses)
The ZM has noticeably higher macro/micro contrast and better colors (Not to count better sunstar rendering). The Contax G has better resolution mid and towards the corners with the front-lens but it lacks contrast in comparison.
The Contax G is very light. With the Kipon adapter and front-lens is weights only 250g. The ZM is a little heavier.
For me personally, I will continue using my Zeiss ZF 28/2. it's much heavier at 590g with adapter but it has much better micro-contrast, colors and resolution when compared side by side to either ZM or G. The difference is not night and day but it's not small either. The ZF 28 complements my Loxia 21 and 50 in terms of resolution, contrast and colors. (Until Zeiss releases a Loxia 28 )
So, the front-lens brings both 28 ZM and G lenses from the dead for the A7 series but they still don't compare to the ZF 28/2. The 28 G is a steal at current prices and it's the lightest of the bunch. The 1.5 PCX filter in reverse orientation does miracles for it. See here: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1453834/33#13892893 ...Show more →
i forgot, did the siimulations indicate that the optosigma 1.5m planoconvex should work better than the proxar 1m for the g28?
Fred Miranda wrote:
I have studied the images for a while and here are my thoughts:
The Contax G 28 and ZM 28 are both great lenses. However, even with the PCX 1.5m or 1m Proxar, there is a visible mid-zone dip with the ZM. I don't see that with the Contax G. (BTW: The PCX 1.5m is a perfect solution for both lenses)
The ZM has noticeably higher macro/micro contrast and better colors (Not to count better sunstar rendering). The Contax G has better resolution mid and towards the corners with the front-lens but it lacks contrast in comparison.
The Contax G is very light. With the Kipon adapter and front-lens is weights only 250g. The ZM is a little heavier.
For me personally, I will continue using my Zeiss ZF 28/2. it's much heavier at 590g with adapter but it has much better micro-contrast, colors and resolution when compared side by side to either ZM or G. The difference is not night and day but it's not small either. The ZF 28 complements my Loxia 21 and 50 in terms of resolution, contrast and colors. (Until Zeiss releases a Loxia 28 )
So, the front-lens brings both 28 ZM and G lenses from the dead for the A7 series but they still don't compare to the ZF 28/2. The 28 G is a steal at current prices and it's the lightest of the bunch. The 1.5 PCX filter in reverse orientation does miracles for it. See here: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1453834/33#13892893 ...Show more →
Thanks Fred; that's really helpful. And I think it means I'll keep waiting for a Loxia..
I've had my finger on the trigger of a 2/28 ZF Distagon for years. When I was working in the States for a while I hired one, and I even love the curved field wide open for portraits, and it was great stopped down. But I know if after all these years I finally buy one, a Loxia will be announced within months. (maybe I should, then, in the public interest so all these forumers can get their Loxia 28 fix!)
Fred Miranda wrote:
For me personally, I will continue using my Zeiss ZF 28/2. it's much heavier at 590g with adapter but it has much better micro-contrast, colors and resolution when compared side by side to either ZM or G. The difference is not night and day but it's not small either. The ZF 28 complements my Loxia 21 and 50 in terms of resolution, contrast and colors. (Until Zeiss releases a Loxia 28 )
That's what I'm doing too (ZE version in my case). At least it's small compared to most ZE/F lenses. I like the rendering enough that I'll probably keep it even after the Loxia version comes out.
DannyBurkPhoto wrote:
That's what I'm doing too (ZE version in my case). At least it's small compared to most ZE/F lenses. I like the rendering enough that I'll probably keep it even after the Loxia version comes out.
I did the unthinkable today and ordered a Leica 28/2.8 Elmarit-R II. This lens is highly regarded for the Sony A7 series.
I will compare it to my ZF 28/2. It will be hard to beat the Zeiss micro-contrast and color but in my mind, that's the lens that holds a chance.
Fred Miranda wrote:
I did the unthinkable today and ordered a Leica 28/2.8 Elmarit-R II. This lens is highly regarded for the Sony A7 series.
I will compare it to my ZF 28/2. It will be hard to beat the Zeiss micro-contrast and color but in my mind, that's the lens that holds a chance.
Fred Miranda wrote:
I did the unthinkable today and ordered a Leica 28/2.8 Elmarit-R II. This lens is highly regarded for the Sony A7 series.
I will compare it to my ZF 28/2. It will be hard to beat the Zeiss micro-contrast and color but in my mind, that's the lens that holds a chance.
It is a lovely lens. The color/drawing style is really attractive. I found the extreme corners take a fair bit of stopping down, but it works well from wide open. Not sure about evaluating micro contrast, but will be interested in your report!
Fred, I think you will like it, with time. Don't let the initial hype affect true colours of this gem.
It's detailed, but not zippy sharp, very even across the frame and low in distortions. Adobe has its profile if you want to use it for architectual images. Colours are very natural, IMO. It's great WO at close distance. Small and sexy. It does all very well without drawing attention to the point that it may appear like a very good, average lens. That's usually when people are tempted to let it go by mistake...
Every time my Leica Elmarit R 28/2.8 sits around for a while I think about selling it. Then, I take some pictures with it and when I see the results, I find it hard to part with it. Everything that's been said here, I very much agree with.
DavidBM wrote:
Has anyone figured out if a ZM 28 or Contax G 28 with a front end lens is the way to go? Other things being equal I'd prefer the ZM for handling...
See Fred's excellent comments on these 2 lenses.
I share your preference for the ZM28 in tems of handling but take into account that you'll have to disassemble partially the lens to remove some shims, if you want to focus up to infinity. Instead, this isn't required with the G28 (that is, if your adapter is within specifications )
artur5 wrote:
See Fred's excellent comments on these 2 lenses.
I share your preference for the ZM28 in tems of handling but take into account that you'll have to disassemble partially the lens to remove some shims, if you want to focus up to infinity. Instead, this isn't required with the G28 (that is, if your adapter is within specifications )
Yes they were very helpful comments in reply to my question; and they made me think I can happily hang out until there is a Loxia (I've often considered getting a ZE 2/28, but a Loxia will be at least smaller and likely even better). I don't think I'm up for a not inexpensive bespoke solution if it's not as good as ZE, even if much smaller.
Luvwine wrote:
It is a lovely lens. The color/drawing style is really attractive. I found the extreme corners take a fair bit of stopping down, but it works well from wide open. Not sure about evaluating micro contrast, but will be interested in your report!
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JaKo wrote:
Fred, I think you will like it, with time. Don't let the initial hype affect true colours of this gem.
It's detailed, but not zippy sharp, very even across the frame and low in distortions. Adobe has its profile if you want to use it for architectual images. Colours are very natural, IMO. It's great WO at close distance. Small and sexy. It does all very well without drawing attention to the point that it may appear like a very good, average lens. That's usually when people are tempted to let it go by mistake...
rji2goleez wrote:
Every time my Leica Elmarit R 28/2.8 sits around for a while I think about selling it. Then, I take some pictures with it and when I see the results, I find it hard to part with it. Everything that's been said here, I very much agree with.
Thanks for the feedback guys. I've heard a lot about the Leica 28 Elmarit-R II colors and can't wait to try it. It's been on my list for a while.
The way the ZF 28/2 renders tones and color impresses me as well. I'm always shocked by its brutal micro-contrast and it's no different than what I get from my Loxia 21.
So, if the Distagon 28/2 ZF is that good, why keep looking for other 28mm lenses? Well, although the center and mid-field look fantastic starting at f/4 at infinity, the very edges need at least f/8 to get very sharp (best at f/9). This is not due to FC, it's just this lens characteristic which comes from the same mold of the previous "Hollywood" Contax version. It's also on the heavy side with an adapter. Perhaps I can post some side-by-side samples in another thread comparing the Elmarit to the Distagon.
@Fred Miranda: Really looking forward to your Leica 28 Elmarit-R II tests, I have actually also bought the same lens earlier today. I was not supposed to buy any lenses in 2017 (New Year’s resolution), but that did not last for long. I also bought a Minolta RX Rokkor 250mm mirror lens, lol
Anyone come across other filters apart from the AmazonBasics that you can unscrew the necessary bit from? All the filters I have seem to be a 1 piece body once ive taken it apart....
photomadnz wrote:
Anyone come across other filters apart from the AmazonBasics that you can unscrew the necessary bit from? All the filters I have seem to be a 1 piece body once ive taken it apart....
OleAndre wrote:
Im so excited about this. Just ordered the step-up/step-down rings, the spanners and the filter from eBay, and waiting for a respons from Laser2000 about shipment. It will be great to get it tested on the Distagon 35!
If I remember correctly, the SLB 50-5000PM also works on the C Sonnar, is that right?
Best wishes,
Ole
No one tested yet, but I expect SLB-50-5000PM may make some improvement on the C Sonnar 1.5/50.
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